Everyone wears them, but not everyone wears them well. Here’s how to look your best in a t-shirt.
Like me, I’m sure you have plenty of t-shirts lying around.
Some that should be thrown out, let’s be honest.
They’re an essential, basic item. And we all have them.
But because of their simplicity and basic nature, it can be hard to know how to style them. Through my years as a menswear consultant, I’ve picked up a lot of great tips for styling simple pieces.
Today I will share with you my seven secrets to looking awesome in a t-shirt.
History of the T-Shirt
The t-shirt as we know it today is an evolution of undergarments worn in the 19th century. The one-piece union suit was underwear worn by union workers.
It was a one-piece, full-body set of undergarments. Over time, it was cut into two pieces, the top being long enough to tuck into the waistband of the bottoms.
Adopted by miners and dock workers, it was an easy way to stay covered in very hot environments.
The Navy issued the t-shirt as an undergarment in 1913. It was a white cotton crew neck shirt meant to be worn under a uniform.
Marines would often remove their uniform jacket, wearing and soiling only the t-shirt.
Because the t-shirt was easy to make and easy to clean, it became a popular choice for young boys. The t-shirt began being made in varying colors and patterns.
Over the years, the t-shirt continued to grow in popularity. In the 1950s, Marlon Brando wore one in the movie A Streetcar Named Desire. This helped the t-shirt to finally achieve its status as a fashionable, stand-alone garment.
Why Wear a T-Shirt Instead of a Short Sleeve Button Down?
I love button-downs, also. But I think styling a t-shirt takes a bit more skill and understanding than a button-down.
It’s a much simpler piece of clothing. Because it’s so simple, it might not have the same appeal as a button-down at first glance.
As you’re about to learn, the trick is to approach it strategically and style your shirt in an interesting way.
The 7 Secrets
Press Your T-Shirt
This first “secret” is a simple one. I think most of us like to fold our t-shirts as quickly as possible and shove them away in a drawer until we are ready to wear them.
Sometimes we may even leave them lying around on a chair or end table. That way, we can pick them up and throw them on in a hurry later.
This is where pressing or steaming your shirts comes in handy. I like to press my shirts after they are washed and dried to give them a bit of a cleaner finish.
Even if you end up leaving a shirt lying around, having pressed it beforehand will help it to look fresh and more presentable once you’ve put it on.
It also helps to give the shirt a better shape. Its intended shape. Higher quality, 100% cotton shirts will especially benefit from a good pressing.
I recommend either hanging or rolling your t-shirts for storage. Leaving a shirt folded for long periods of time in a drawer can leave the shirt with fold marks that you may not have time to press out.
Consider Color
The color of your shirt dramatically changes its look. Depending on what you’re wearing it with, the color could make or break the entire outfit.
Your skin tone might also need to be considered. For example, a pure white t-shirt might look better on darker or more yellow skin tones, while an ivory, beige, or off-white might work better for lighter skin tones.
I’m pretty light-skinned. Take a look at both of these pictures. The white shirt works and I still enjoy wearing it. However, the beige shirt compliments my skin tone much better.
Try other colors, too. Dark-colored t-shirts look great, and bright colors can also work really well. Just be mindful of what you wear them with.
Opt For a Relaxed Fit
T-shirts come in all shapes and sizes. I recommend a more relaxed fit for your t-shirts. Not too tight, not too loose.
There’s one reason for this. Whenever you’re wearing something simple, try to let the fabric do the talking.
The natural drape of a good quality fabric can really enhance the look of an otherwise mundane piece of clothing.
This is not a hard fast rule, but more of a strong suggestion. Depending on your build and choice of fabric, a slimmer fit could still suit you.
If you’re someone who prefers an oversized fit, that can definitely work, too! I just think a relaxed fit works best as a starting point for all body types.
Tuck It In
Yep, time to step up and admit that your dad may have had it right all along. Tucking that bad boy in can work wonders.
Put simply, you don’t want your outfit to divide you in half. Your legs account for two-thirds of your body. This means that dividing your body in half via your outfit can make your legs look short and squatty.
A tucked-in t-shirt works best with a higher-rise pant (i.e. a pant that sits higher on your waist). If you haven’t tried a higher rise, I highly recommend it. They’re comfortable and look amazing.
But if you’re set on a lower-rise pant, still try tucking that shirt in. It’s likely it will look better than leaving it hanging out.
Alternatively, you could cut the shirt to a shorter length to achieve a similar look. A tailor can shorten a t-shirt very easily for you if you prefer a more finished look.
But just snipping off that extra fabric yourself can give the shirt a cool, effortless look that works just as well.
Try Rolling the Sleeves
Especially if your t-shirt sleeves are on the long side, try rolling them up. Fold the edge over once and then roll 2-3 more times depending on sleeve length.
To me, the sleeve roll stands out as a stylistic choice. It can make it look like you’re a stylish guy who wants to wear a t-shirt, rather than just putting one on for convenience.
There’s no need to be super neat if you opt for a rolled sleeve. We’re going for more of an effortless look with a t-shirt.
Use Accessories to Your Advantage
Accessories can really play to your advantage when all you’d have on otherwise is a t-shirt.
A simple bracelet or watch can go a long way. Try wearing your dress watches with a t-shirt rather than your casual watches.
A simple necklace is another great accessory to try with a t-shirt. It’s a popular choice today.
I’m not much of a necklace guy, but I love a good neckerchief. Try a necklace or neckerchief in tandem with a wristwatch or bracelet. It really can take your outfit to a whole new level.
If your pants have belt loops, wear a belt. A belt makes for a perfect pairing with a t-shirt.
Utilizing the right pair of sunglasses or the right hat can go a long way here as well. Just keep in mind that GQ tells us “one head accessory at a time is ideal, two is the absolute most.”
Use Your T-Shirt as a Statement Piece
The nature of a t-shirt is simple. There’s not much to it.
Consider how you might be able to wear a t-shirt as a statement piece. A really cool print or maybe even an embroidered design could kick the whole outfit up a notch.
Be careful that whatever artwork or branding is present is tasteful and timeless.
A t-shirt is a timeless classic. Its simplicity and basic nature certainly doesn’t make it boring. It’s a classic for a reason.
These simple “secrets” will help to elevate your outfits and make sure you’re looking awesome in your t-shirts.
For more, check us out on Instagram where we serve up simple, straightforward tips for self-improvement.
